The Farewell (2019) | How Woke Is It?

Our VerdictNot Woke

The Farewell2019

In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected speech. These reviews reflect personal opinions and not statements of fact.

What We Think

'The Farewell' is refreshingly non-woke by modern standards. It delivers sincere, nuanced treatment of tradition, family, and identity without pushing ideological uniformity or sacrificing story for social messaging.

Score Breakdown

Compromised:Narrative Integrity

Not Woke

What is this?

The film centers on a Chinese-American family's emotional dilemma, with strong character focus and little evidence of narrative being bent for identity or ideology. The cultural dynamics are central, but they aren’t forced, this feels authentic rather than performative.

Compromised:Cultural Foundations

Not Woke

What is this?

Far from undermining family or tradition, 'The Farewell' respectfully examines intergenerational bonds and Chinese family values. The film actually portrays family and cultural tradition in a nuanced, generally positive light, instead of subverting them.

Compromised:Ideological Monoculture

Not Woke

What is this?

While the film explores cross-cultural tensions, it doesn’t villainize traditional views or present only one moral perspective. There's genuine internal conflict over tradition vs. modernity, without any overt preachiness or demonizing of alternative viewpoints.

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Disclaimer: In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected as a form of free speech and freedom of expression. The reviews and commentary on this site represent personal opinions and interpretations. They are not statements of fact and should not be taken as factual claims about any individual, company, or creative work.